Strange unknown knife for id

Tim Simmons · 15th November 2005, 06:44 PM

Just another thought, this could also have come from the Congo. Just something about the discs on the handle and the shape, also the decorative extended pommel bit. Tim

Freddy · 15th November 2005, 08:19 PM

I agree with Tim that the knife comes from Africa. I would be more inclined to think that it comes from Nigeria (or neighbouring countries).
The reason for this is the metal band between the blade and the handle. I've seen this already on knives coming from that area.

The sheath is no doubt European.

Tim Simmons · 15th November 2005, 08:54 PM

Yes West African knives do have that piece on the forte normally brass and often engraved. This one looks a little back woods to me, made away from the normal centers of manufacture. The question is where? in West Africa which could include Gabon and the Congo. Is it from the arid regions or the forrests? I am not sure it is from any of the arid areas but I do not really know, just does not fit with the other stuff I have from these regions. Tim

Justin · 16th November 2005, 01:04 AM

Thanks for the comments,Ill work on getting better pics.

I noticed that the edge of the knife , is forged a lot like the edge some khodmis have,sort of hollow ground but only about 1/8 inch in from the edge.Seems many African weapons have odd cross sections,like the 'twisted' spear heads that were discussed a few weeks ago.

Andrew · 16th November 2005, 02:51 AM

Gentlemen, I'm curious: how common is/was the use of aluminum in African weapons? Is it more common to see this material in certain regions or cultures?

I like this knife, Justin. Congrats.

Freddy · 16th November 2005, 07:58 AM

I think I already showed this one on the forum, but it's a small (ceremonial ?) axe from the Congo (Tshokwe).

The blade is made from aluminium with some engravings on it.

Iron was easily obtainable in these regions, but material like copper, aluminium, etc.... was foreign, thus expensive. Someone wanting to show his wealth did so by using these metals.

You also see it on some other African artwork, especially from the Congo. Copper nails were added to a statue to enhance its importance.

I'll show some better pics of the axe this evening.

Andrew · 16th November 2005, 02:17 PM

Thanks, Freddy.

Interesting that aluminum would be prized as a decorative metal. In post-WWII industrial cultures, it has become so common.

Is this, perhaps, a bit of "cargo cult"?

15th November 2005, 06:44 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Just another thought, this could also have come from the Congo. Just something about the discs on the handle and the shape, also the decorative extended pommel bit. Tim

15th November 2005, 08:19 PM	#2
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I agree with Tim that the knife comes from Africa. I would be more inclined to think that it comes from Nigeria (or neighbouring countries). The reason for this is the metal band between the blade and the handle. I've seen this already on knives coming from that area. The sheath is no doubt European.

15th November 2005, 08:54 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Yes West African knives do have that piece on the forte normally brass and often engraved. This one looks a little back woods to me, made away from the normal centers of manufacture. The question is where? in West Africa which could include Gabon and the Congo. Is it from the arid regions or the forrests? I am not sure it is from any of the arid areas but I do not really know, just does not fit with the other stuff I have from these regions. Tim

16th November 2005, 01:04 AM	#4
Justin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 178	Thanks for the comments,Ill work on getting better pics. I noticed that the edge of the knife , is forged a lot like the edge some khodmis have,sort of hollow ground but only about 1/8 inch in from the edge.Seems many African weapons have odd cross sections,like the 'twisted' spear heads that were discussed a few weeks ago.

16th November 2005, 02:51 AM	#5
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Gentlemen, I'm curious: how common is/was the use of aluminum in African weapons? Is it more common to see this material in certain regions or cultures? I like this knife, Justin. Congrats.

16th November 2005, 07:58 AM	#6
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I think I already showed this one on the forum, but it's a small (ceremonial ?) axe from the Congo (Tshokwe). The blade is made from aluminium with some engravings on it. Iron was easily obtainable in these regions, but material like copper, aluminium, etc.... was foreign, thus expensive. Someone wanting to show his wealth did so by using these metals. You also see it on some other African artwork, especially from the Congo. Copper nails were added to a statue to enhance its importance. I'll show some better pics of the axe this evening.

16th November 2005, 02:17 PM	#7
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Thanks, Freddy. Interesting that aluminum would be prized as a decorative metal. In post-WWII industrial cultures, it has become so common. Is this, perhaps, a bit of "cargo cult"?